Exposure limit values

The mean exposure limit value for 3-methyl-1-butanol in the air of workplaces was set at 100 ppm in 1984 by the ACGIH (135). Standards have not been set for the other alcohols (135). 

Binding occupational exposure limit values reflect feasibility factors related to social acceptability. When the results of environmental monitoring have to be compared with OELs, factors that influence exposure and that entail preventive policies are considered. For these values member states shall establish a corresponding national binding occupational exposure limit value based on but not exceeding the community limit value. That is, a binding limit means a minimum requirement. 

An indicative limit value is a more common type of limit that reflects expert evaluation based on scientific data where it is possible to identify the highest level of exposure along with the corresponding reference time period for which one can have confidence that there will be no adverse effects on health. For any chemical agent for which an indicative occupational exposure limit value is established at the community level, member states shall establish a national occupational exposure limit value, taking into account the community limit value and determining its nature in accordance with national legislation and practice. 

The control limits should not be exceeded and wherever possible reduced, and in any case these substances are subject to specific Regulations or Codes of Practice. The RL values are annually reviewed, but the CL values may be altered at shorter time intervals. The TLV value is used in the UK if a RL or CL value is not available. With some substances, long-term or short-term exposure limit values (LTEL or STEL) are published. Finally it should be noted that the Council of Europe is proposing to introduce a harmonised list of exposure standards for adoption by the EEC countries. 

Exposure levels of hazardous chemicals in the air of work environments are mandated by OSHA as exposure limit values. The studies necessary to establish these limits are carried out by NIOSH. However, the more complete list of the better-known threshold limit values (TLVs) is established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. Although TLVs are not binding in law, they are an excellent guide to the employer. In fact they are often adopted by OSHA as exposure limit values. The concentrations thus expressed are the weighted average concentrations normally considered safe for an exposure of 8 h/day, 5 days/week. Absolute upper limits (excursion values) may also be included. Some exposure limits are shown in Table 23.1. 

Sweden - Arbetarskyddsstyrelsens Forfattningssamling (2005) Occupational exposure limit values and measures against air contaminants, AFS 2005 17. 

Occupational Exposure Limit Values and Measures Against Air Contaminants, Statute Book of the Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, AFS, Arbetsmiljoverket, Solna, Sweden, 2000, p.3. 

Control parameters e.g. occupational exposure limit values or biological limit values. 

Quantitative analytical procedures for the determination of phosgene are necessary for hygienic and environmental purposes, in addition to those methods required for its commercial production and use. The required analytical range of concentrations may thus vary from the p.p.t. level to virtually 100%. In particular, the 1995 UK low exposure limit value for... 

Another proposed regulatory approach takes into account the formaldehyde concentration In ambient air. There, two cases exist The exposure limit values on workplaces, and the exposure limit values in housing, which are generally one tenth of the workplace value, see Table III ... 

Exposure limit values in the workplace have been defined based on the available toxicological data. 

No plant recycling nickel-cadmium batteries currently uses this type of process, not just because of the risks of explosion, but also because of the difficulty of capturing the particles. The standards in respect of the cadmium content of the air in treatment plants reach exposure limit values that it is very hard to comply with. 

Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (lOELVs)... 

Commission Directive 2000/39/EC of 8 June 2000 establishing a first list of indicative occupational exposure limit values in inqjlementation of Council Directive 98/24/EC on die protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work (Text with EEA relevance). Official Journal L 142,16/06/2000 P. 0047 - 0050. 

STEL Short-term exposure limit values measured over a duration of maximum 15 minutes, normally only allowed for a maximum of one hour within the 8-hour period... 

Valeurs limites d expositionprofesiomelles - professional exposure limit values. 

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